But they also called for more progress if the city is to attain a viable bicycling culture that will stick.

“I feel really comfortable on the roads in Grand Rapids 98.8 percent of the time,” said Josh Duggan, a bicycle commuter who hosts a bi-weekly group ride in the city through his website, pedalgr.com.

But for casual bicyclists, Duggan said “we need to work on giving them a safer infrastructure so they feel more comfortable riding in the city.”

Duggan kicked off the evening by leading about 50 riders through city streets from Founders Brewing Co. to the Wealthy Theatre, warning them that “bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of motorists on the road.”

Persons attending were cheered by news that the city will add 10 miles of bicycle lanes this year and plans are underway establish a bike through-way along Seward Avenue that will ultimately extend north to Ann Street NE and south to Wealthy Street SW.

“We're definitely on the cusp of something pretty cool, I think,” said Kent County Commissioner Jim Talen, a member of the Downtown Development Authority and a bicycling enthusiast.

At Atomic Object, a Grand Rapids software company, 30 percent of their employees commute to work via bicycle, said Business Manager Mary O'Neill. The company offers a shower for employees, a pool car for out-of-city trips and storage facilities for bicycle gear, she said.